How to Deal with Cataracts

Cataracts cloud or distort the lens of the eye, resulting in glare at night, halos around lights and sensitivity to light without noticeable pain or inflammation. We use our eyesight for just about all of our daily tasks and by the time we notice the blurring and failing night vision that characterize cataracts, we need to take action before our vision begins to deteriorate rapidly. One precaution we can take is to educate ourselves about this common but troublesome condition.

Instructions

• 1

  Know who gets cataracts. Eyes take pictures, just like a camera. The lenses in our eyes age along with us, becoming cloudy and brownish. The good news is that, for most people, cataracts are something they needn't worry about until they're older. The bad news is that, as people live longer, more will develop cataracts. For a few people, genetic factors, birth defects, accidents, diseases like diabetes, low blood calcium and thyroid problems as well as certain medications can contribute to the development of cataracts at an earlier age.

• 2

  Take care of your eyes. Use sunglasses and wear a hat in bright sunshine. Get enough rest and eat wisely, with foods rich in antioxidants-- green leafy vegetables, fruits and legumes. Make sure that you have enough light to read without straining and, if you wear glasses, keep your prescription current.

• 3

  Get regular eye examinations, particularly if you have any chronic conditions or take medications such as steroids and certain psychiatric medications, that increase your risk. Be sure to tell your ophthalmologist what drugs you take and give her a complete medical history. Most people who don't wear glasses don't bother to have eye exams but most older adults should have their eyes checked at least once a year by a qualified eye specialist.

• 4

  Work with your eye care professional to diagnose and deal with cataracts. If your doctor diagnoses cataracts, he may look for specific, treatable conditions that contribute to your problem. Low blood calcium is one condition that causes cataracts that can be easily treated. If a drug is contributing to vision problems, perhaps another drug can be used to achieve the same results. Good lighting and using a magnifying glass for small print can help at home. For patients who cannot or will not consider surgery, dilating the pupil with certain drugs may improve sight for a period of time.

• 5

  Accept the need for surgery when your doctor says it's time. Most ophthalmologists will be very conservative about recommending surgery since there can be problems that develop after the procedure. There will come a point, however, when the benefits far outweigh the risks. Fortunately, cataract surgery has developed into an outpatient procedure with a much greater probability of success with the introduction of lasers. The laser is used either to dissolve or remove the old lens. A new lens (called an intraocular lens) is then inserted to replace the old one. The new lens improves eyesight and makes colors brighter--it's almost like having a new eye.

• 6

  Follow directions for post-operative eye care exactly. Most surgeons will send you home with eye drops and dark glasses. Use medications and aids as directed. Go to follow up visits and let your doctor know about any unusual effects like bleeding, inflammation, double vision or pressure in your eye. These complications, when caught early, can be easily treated. Be sure to schedule follow up and annual exams as directed by your doctor.